September 8, 1946 - May 4, 2015

Acknowledgements

Biography

Henry J. Cavazos, J.D.

Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs

UTMB School of Health Professions

Prepared by: Mrs. Roxella Cavazos

Henry James Cavazos was born in Houston, Texas on September 8, 1946. He was delivered by his paternal aunt, Dr. Ninfa Cavazos, one of the first Hispanic medical graduates of UTMB. Henry and his parents moved to Laredo, Texas when he was in grade school. As a youngster, Henry built a car that he entered in the National Soap Box Derby. Henry met his wife, Roxella, when he was a senior in high school, and their courtship began. He was voted "Best All-Around" in high school. Henry graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor's degree in Radio-Television-Film.

Upon graduating from UT, Henry was drafted into military service during the Vietnam War. Before going into active service, Henry married Roxella. Henry served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. With his degree in R-T-F, the Navy assigned Henry to communications operations. Henry also worked as a radio announcer at the closed base. The war subsided, and Henry was Honorably Discharged by the Navy. He began employment with Project Hope, a partnership with the Navy which focused on health care and education in underserved communities and operated the SS Hope, a Navy hospital ship.

While working with Project Hope, Henry met Dr. Bob Bing, long-term Dean of the School of Allied Health Professions at UTMB. Dr. Bing offered him a job that led into various roles for Henry and his 41-year career at UTMB. During Henry's tenure at UTMB, he and Roxella lived first in Texas City and then Friendswood. Roxella attended and graduated from law school and Henry followed after her.

Henry liked to work with his hands and took courses in electrical wiring, HVAC, wood craft, and welding. At an early age, his father had taught him to work with tools and cars. Henry was most happy at the house in Friendswood he and Roxella built which had a workshop and modern barn with soft water and other amenities for the two ponies (Amy and Breakdance) he and Roxella owned. The larger pony, Amy was his niece Crystal's first pony which Henry and Roxella kept after Crystal outgrew the pony. Henry embraced being a father figure to Crystal, whose father died when she was very young. Henry gave Crystal away at her wedding. After the ponies died, Henry and Roxella sold the Friendswood house and moved to avoid commutes to Houston and Galveston. Henry was a devoted husband, a devoted UTMB employee, and a most kind and generous person with a heart of gold and a gentle soul.